Honda expands Passport SUV availability and off-road capability

Honda is expanding the availability and capability of its Passport SUV. The automaker has announced plans to import the Passport to the Japanese market in the second half of 2026. This move is facilitated by a new certification system from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, which begins in February 2026 for US-made passenger vehicles.

The Japanese market will see the high-end TrailSport Elite trim, featuring a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and Honda’s second-generation i-VTM4 torque vectoring four-wheel-drive system. The vehicle is notable for its large dimensions, with a width exceeding two meters.

In the United States, Honda is further enhancing the model for the 2027 model year. The 2027 Passport TrailSport will undergo significant mechanical upgrades, including a redesign of nearly 70 percent of its suspension components. These changes, which include new springs, dampers, and control arms, will increase ground clearance to 9.65 inches, improving approach, departure, and breakover angles. The 2027 update also includes aesthetic changes such as more pronounced fender flares and new amber LED hood scoop lights.